Introduction to new regulations

Make life better and ‘Zero Emissions’ accessible for all

At Renault, we are passionate about making your lives easier. For decades, we’ve focused on creating vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and low in pollutants emitted. We’re committed to reducing the environmental impact of our vehicles and our groundbreaking Zero Emissions (whilst driving) Z.E. technology has propelled Renault to be electric vehicle pioneers in sustainable mobility. As part of these commitments Renault fully supports the introduction of the new laboratory testing procedure, called ‘Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure’ (WLTP). WLTP represents a positive change to provide consumers with fuel economy and emissions data which is more representative of the results you may achieve in real life.

Understanding the regulation changes: WLTP and RDE

On September 1, 2017, WLTP came into effect progressively replacing the decades old New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) certification protocol. In addition, a Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test will also take effect as a complement to WLTP in determining actual usage. You can learn more about these changes and what they mean for you here:

What is a certification protocol ?

A certification protocol is a series of mandatory tests that certify all new vehicles on the market conform to the regulations. The goal is to verify that all vehicles respect pollution emission regulations, commonly referred to as emission standards. Euro 6 is the current standard.

The WLTP test takes place in a laboratory and is performed by independent organisations. They are based on standardised driving cycles (length, speed, equipment, temperature, etc) and measure pollutants, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption for combustion engine vehicles. These are standardised measurements that allow you to compare the performance of models from different manufacturers. Today, this data is published in brochures and on manufacturers’ websites.

From NEDC to WLTP

Before September 2017, the NEDC laboratory test, established in the 1980s, was the certification protocol in effect. Since vehicles have changed drastically over the past 30 years, WLTP has been designed to replace NEDC.

So, what are some of the key differences?
1) the WLTP test is longer and more rigorous than NEDC 2) the test speeds are higher (to reflect motorway driving) 3) The temperature range is wide and 4) all vehicle equipment is taken into account (see the table below). Altogether, these improvements produce results/data which is much closer to what you could expect in the real world.

Comparing NEDC and WLTP

Below you will find the differences between NEDC and WLTP tests

NEDC

WLTP

Characteristics

Length of cycle (min)

Distance (miles)

Average speed (mph)

Max speed (mph)

% of time stopped

20

6.8

21.1

74.6

24

30

14.3

29.2

81.4

13

Results

Test results are far from real-use measurements

One result per model/engine/gear box

Test results are closer to real-use

For each model/engine/gear box: A minimum result and a maximum result

While these more realistic testing conditions may show higher fuel consumption and emissions, your actual fuel consumption is not affected. The CO2 levels and fuel consumption data published by manufacturers will likely appear higher under WLTP simply because the new protocol better reflects real driving scenarios.

Real Driving Emissions (RDE)

Even though the conditions of the WLTP test cycles are stricter than the NEDC protocol, they still don’t take into account all the parameters of real use of a vehicle, which is where the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test comes in. Taking place on roads under true driving conditions, the validated RDE test complements the WLTP certification by verifying a vehicle’s actual pollution emission levels.

Groupe Renault has already begun giving you the results of RDE pollution emission tests on new vehicles registered after September 2016. For more information, visit https://group.renault.com/en/rde-2/

Timing

From September 2017-September 2018, all new-to-market vehicles (new model/engine) must be certified under the WLTP test

From September 2018, all new vehicles sold in dealerships must be certified using WLTP

However, to make the transition simpler, throughout 2018 , regulatory authorities have asked all manufacturers to continue to communicate onlythe NEDC results. How do we do that? Vehicles that are already being certified under WLTP will have their results converted to the NEDC equivalent until January 2019.

Effective January 2019, all published data will likely be WLTP values (with a possibility of NEDC for reference)

In parallel to the improvements in testing (WLTP & RDE) the Euro 6 standard that vehicles have to respect is evolving step by step to reduce the emissions of local pollutants. This will ultimately lead to the rollout of the Euro 6D standard on 1st January 2020.

What this means for you

It’s important to note that both vehicle performance and actual fuel consumption is not affected regardless of the certification protocol followed.

However, the CO2 levels and fuel consumption data published by manufacturers may appear higher under WLTP simply because the new protocol better reflects real driving scenarios.

Simply stated, WLTP is more accurate than NEDC but it doesn’t change the actual performance or consumption of any vehicle.

Making it easier to improve actual fuel consumption

Making your life easier is our passion so we’re committed to delivering WLTP data as early as possible to help provide greater clarity on fuel economy and emissions.

As of September 2018, all new Renault cars sold will be certified under the new WLTP test.

Nevertheless, our ultimate goal is to help you be an active participant in reducing the environmental impact of your vehicle. If you’d like to know more about our Z.E. (Zero Emissions) range click here.